Hall of Fame Inductees
Manuel Rivero, who served Lincoln University and the Department of Athletics for a total of 55 years, founded and chaired the Health, Recreation and Physical Education Department in 1947. He served as chair and athletic director until he retired in 1977. Rivero also was the head football, baseball, track, tennis and basketball coach during his tenure at Lincoln. He received numerous honors during his lifetime. In 1960, he was bestowed the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Award and named Teacher of the Year. In 1978, he received the Lincoln University Alumni Association Award, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Award and the Hall of Fame Award. In 1980, Lincoln University named Rivero Emeritus Professor of Physical Education. In 1986, the university named its gymnasium building Manuel Rivero Hall in his honor. Before coming to Lincoln, he played and starred in varsity football and baseball at Columbia University in New York where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in engineering. In 1938 he also earned a master’s degree in health and recreation from Columbia. Rivero gave back to the community by serving on the Pennsylvania State Traffic Control Committee, serving as chairman of the Oxford Pennsylvania United Way, and as a member of the Board of Supervisors for Lower Oxford Township. Professor Rivero passed away on August 18, 2001 at the age of 92.
